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Spina bifida is a birth defect condition characterized by improper formation of the spine and spinal cord, known as a neural tube defect. During embryonic development, the neural tube, which eventually forms the baby's brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues, typically closes by the 28th day after conception. However, in cases of spina bifida, a section of the neural tube fails to fully close, affecting the spinal cord and spinal bones.
These include Spina bifida occulta and Spina bifida Aperta. Spina bifida Aperta is also known as Myelomeningocele. It is a severe form of spina bifida. As the severe form is progressive, it requires immediate repair to prevent further damage. In such a case, your doctor may advise fetal surgery.
The severity of spina bifida can vary, ranging from mild to significantly disabling. Symptoms are contingent upon the location and size of the spinal opening, as well as whether the spinal cord and nerves are impacted. Early treatment often involves surgery to address spina bifida, but regaining lost function isn't always achievable through surgery alone.
Preventing spina bifida and other neural tube defects is possible through various measures, primarily focusing on ensuring adequate intake of folic acid:
- Start Folic Acid Supplementation Early: Begin by taking folic acid supplements at least one month before planning to conceive and continue through the first trimester of pregnancy. A daily dose of 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid is recommended for all individuals of childbearing age.
- Folic Acid-Rich Foods: By Incorporating foods rich in folate or fortified with folic acid into your diet. Examples include enriched bread, pasta, rice, and certain breakfast cereals. Natural sources of folate include beans, peas, citrus fruits and juices, egg yolks, cow's milk, avocados, and dark green vegetables like broccoli and spinach.
- Plan Pregnancy Carefully: Adults who are planning pregnancy or could become pregnant should aim for a daily intake of 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid.
- Vitamin Supplements: Taking a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin containing folic acid is advisable to help meet the recommended intake levels and reduce the risk of spina bifida and other congenital conditions like cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain heart defects.
- Vitamin Supplements: By taking a daily multivitamin or prenatal vitamin containing folic acid is advisable to help meet the recommended intake levels and reduce the risk of spina bifida and other congenital conditions like cleft lip, cleft palate, and certain heart defects.
The objectives of spina bifida treatment are to manage symptoms, prevent complications such as infections or issues with movement, improve physical function, and enhance overall quality of life. Early treatment can prevent further brain damage.
When medical treatment is accessible, myelomeningocele is typically detected before or just after birth. A medical team of experts should follow up on children afflicted with this condition throughout their lives. Educating families regarding the different matters to watch for can be achieved.Most kids with spina bifida occulta do not have any issues or symptoms. Most of these children just need regular pediatric care.
Prenatal diagnosis (maternal blood testing, ultrasound, amniocentesis), postnatal MRI or CT scanning, and meetings with a team of urologists, neurologists, and orthopaedic surgeons are all part of the preparation. Preoperative instruction and genetic counselling may also be provided to parents.
Treatment varies with type and severity:
- Surgery: The spinal defect is closed shortly after birth, or in some cases even before birth (fetal surgery).
- Shunt placement: To treat brain fluid buildup, or hydrocephalus.
- Orthopaedic treatment: Surgery or braces to correct scoliosis or limb deformities.
- Urological treatments: Catheterisation or surgery to manage bladder function.
- Therapies: Physical and occupational therapy to encourage mobility and independence.
Initial surgery may last two to four hours. Several days to several weeks could be spent in the hospital, depending on complications and follow-up care. The length of continuing therapy could be months to years.
- Infection
- Damage to the nerves
- The condition of hydrocephalus
- Limitations on mobility
- Bowel and bladder problems
- Learning challenges
Most particularly, with early intervention, timely treatment can enhance independence and developmental outcomes, mobility, bladder and bowel control, and avert potentially lethal infections.
Rehabilitation involves physical therapy, wound care, and observation for hydrocephalus or other problems. Often, one needs to follow up with multiple specialists over the course of one's life. Supportive care aims to optimise daily functioning and mobility.
Outcomes depend on the nature and severity of spina bifida. Most individuals, especially those with mild forms such as spina bifida occulta, lead normal lives due to multidisciplinary management and advances in surgical techniques. Prolonged support may be required in extreme cases, like myelomeningocele.
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Medical Park Canakkale Hospital
Canakkale, Turkey
Types of Surgery for Spina Bifida in Medical Park Canakkale Hospital and its associated cost
| Treatment Option | Approximate Cost Range (USD) | Approximate Cost Range (TRY) |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery for Spina Bifida (Overall) | 17101 - 23617 | 512393 - 708492 |
| Myelomeningocele Repair | 8874 - 13506 | 270826 - 411338 |
| Tethered Cord Release | 8307 - 11251 | 259151 - 345420 |
| Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Placement | 11112 - 16007 | 337268 - 481636 |
| Spinal Fusion | 18954 - 23303 | 585496 - 721903 |
| Neurogenic Bladder Surgery | 8537 - 11122 | 250721 - 345112 |
| Orthopedic Corrective Surgeries | 13350 - 15512 | 405429 - 473109 |
- Address: Hamidiye,
- Facilities related to Medical Park Canakkale Hospital: Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room, Accommodation
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+99Process Involved for Surgery for Spina Bifida in Canakkale
- Consultation with a specialist: Consult a pediatric neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, or spine specialist to assess the severity of spina bifida and whether surgery is necessary.
- Pre-surgical evaluation: This could include imaging investigations like MRI or CT scans to evaluate the spinal defect, concomitant abnormalities, and any other complications like hydrocephalus.
- Personalised treatment plan: From the results, the health team will formulate a treatment plan, which can involve spinal cord protection surgery, hydrocephalus shunt placement, or corrective surgery for spinal deformities.
- Pre-treatment counselling and follow-up: You will be guided about the surgical operation, the desired outcomes, the recuperation process, the risks involved, and the care to be taken post-surgery.
- Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele, Meningocele)
- Spinal Deformities
- Hydrocephalus
- Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome
- Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
- Individuals who have been identified with spina bifida, which is a neural tube defect that affects the surrounding structures and spinal cord.
- Higher-risk patients, like those with more serious types of spina bifida (like myelomeningocele), may require surgery and earlier treatment.
- It protects the spinal cord from additional damage.
- Decreases the risk of neurological deficits and paralysis.
- Enhances quality of life by treating complications such as hydrocephalus and orthopedic deformities.
- It helps prevent or control bowel and bladder problems.
- Enhances the patient’s ability to walk and achieve motor milestones, particularly in less severe cases.
- Pediatric Neurosurgeon
- Orthopedic spine Surgeon
- Physiotherapist
- Neurologist
- Fill out the inquiry form: Fill out the form to provide us with the relevant information about your condition.
- Consult with Our Healthcare Expert: One of our qualified specialists will contact you for a consultation.
- Receive a Detailed Treatment Plan: After examining your situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes expert views and cost breakdowns for various choices.
- Choose your preferred option: Choose the treatment option that suits you the best.
